nuclear-news

Japan’s Nuclear Agency manipulated public opinion forums

Japan Panel Says Nuclear Agency Manipulated Forums, WSJ, By MITSURU OBE, 30Sept 11 TOKYO—An independent panel advising Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry confirmed Friday that the ministry’s nuclear watchdog was involved in attempts by utilities to manipulate public opinion in favor of nuclear power, a conclusion likely to reinforce public mistrust in the nuclear industry and to raise further hurdles for the restart of idled reactors.

The ministry also announced later in the day that it has suspended former Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency spokesman Hidehiko Nishiyama for one month after finding he engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with a female staffer during working hours at the height of the nuclear crisis.

The panel’s conclusion is likely to renew calls for reforming governance at power companies, which have a reputation for being secretive about their nuclear-power operations and for covering up mishaps at their plants.

“The revelations may further undermine public confidence in nuclear policy after the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant,” said Takashi Oizumi, chairman of the panel and former public prosecutor, at a news conference…….

October 1, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Japan, spinbuster